Mears wins pole for ARCA race in Michigan

For Immediate Release

BROOKLYN, Mich. (June 13, 2003) --- Casey Mears and Team Target are two for two. Mears, driving his No. 77 Target Dodge, set a new track record while earning the pole at Michigan International Speedway for the ARCA race. This is the second ARCA pole in a row for Mears. He won the ARCA pole last weekend at Pocono but the race was cancelled due to rain.

Mears' lap was recorded at 188.073 mph (38.283 seconds). His lap was three miles faster than the old track record set by Jason Jarrett (185.000mph).

"We were a little tight in practice but our car was a lot better in qualifying," Mears said. "We softened the right front spring a little and took wedge out. I feel good about racing on Saturday and Sunday. We'd like to maintain the lead through the whole ARCA race. Kyle Busch is going to be tough. It should make it fun and competitive."

Mears qualified 22nd for the Winston Cup race later Friday afternoon. His fast lap was recorded at 187.446 mph (38.411 seconds).

"We're happy because we gained but we're off a little bit," Mears said. "The thing was real tight in three and four and for some reason, this car; we're really struggling with it being really tight. We probably should have been just a little bit freer, probably would have been better. We've qualified pretty decent and I know that if we get things right we can be good. We're just a little off every time and if we can hit it one time we'll be right."

Ganassi teammates Sterling Marlin and Jamie McMurray qualified 30th and 39th respectively.

The Michigan ARCA race will be broadcast on Speed Channel at 8:00 p.m. ET. The Sirius Satellite 400 from Michigan International Speedway will be broadcast live on FOX television and MRN radio on Sunday, June 15 at 1:30 p.m. ET.